Virginia competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 59 jobs.

“Virginia had a strong foundation for job growth before the pandemic and Metalworx’s decision to relocate to our commonwealth demonstrates that companies remain confident in our economy and its people,” Northam said. “This project is a win-win, as the company will return a vacant facility to productive use while creating 59 high-quality jobs in Southwest Virginia and tapping into the region’s dedicated manufacturing workforce and training programs.”

Founded in Summerville, South Carolina, in 1997 by Michael and Leah Sawer, Metalworx manufactures low-to high-volume components, assemblies and products for use in industries including medicine, defense, aerospace, power generation, transportation, communications and wind energy. Metalworx partners with three related entities: Real Performance Machinery, a sawmill equipment manufacturer; Innovative Medical Solutions Group, a medical equipment mounting manufacturer; and Range of Motion Enterprises, a product development consulting firm.

“We are pleased to move forward with our expansion into Grayson County and we anticipate this will help us continue to meet our growing customer demand,” Metalworx President and CEO Michael Sawer said in a statement. “We hope to provide Grayson County and the surrounding area with skilled manufacturing employment opportunities, competitive wages and benefits, and expand our existing apprenticeship program.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County, the Town of Independence, Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to secure the project for Virginia. Northam approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Grayson County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $265,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Metalworx is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support Metalworx employee training activities will be provided through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.